Interview with Vanessa Megan

You launched Vanessa Megan Skincare over 20 years ago — way ahead of the clean beauty curve. Can you take us back to the beginning? What inspired you to create a 100% natural skincare and perfume brand when it was still such a unique idea?

The spark for Vanessa Megan really came from my own journey and upbringing in Western Australia. I grew up surrounded by wild nature, and that connection always stayed with me. When I started modelling, I was shocked by how many synthetic products were being used on my skin—things I’d never dream of eating, yet I was putting them on my body daily. A friend’s simple advice - “Don’t put on your skin what you wouldn’t eat” - stuck with me. It led me to study biochemistry and the ingredients behind everyday products. What I found was alarming: so many fillers, toxins, and unnecessary chemicals. That’s when I knew I wanted to create something different - a brand rooted in nature, using only pure, effective ingredients without compromise.

You’re known for using powerful, bioavailable ingredients rooted in nature and backed by science. What benefits do your customers love most about your products?

Our customers consistently tell us how quickly they see and feel results - radiant skin, reduced sensitivity, and a genuine sense of nourishment. They love that our products aren’t just gentle but actually deliver visible changes, whether it’s calming inflammation, supporting barrier function, or boosting hydration. Knowing they’re using something safe, honest, and effective gives them real peace of mind.

There’s still so much greenwashing in the beauty industry. In your view, why is using truly nontoxic, clean skincare so important - not just for glowing skin, but for overall health and wellbeing?

What we put on our skin matters deeply because our skin is incredibly absorbent—it’s not a perfect barrier. Ingredients can enter our bloodstream and affect our wider health, not just our appearance. Using truly clean products means you’re not exposing yourself to potential endocrine disruptors or toxins linked to long-term health concerns. For me, clean beauty isn’t just about how we look; it’s about supporting our bodies to thrive inside and out.

Naturel Haus was born from my own fertility journey, and we’re passionate about sharing products that support reproductive health and avoid endocrine disruptors. What role do you think clean skincare plays in supporting hormonal balance and fertility, if any?

Many conventional skincare products contain ingredients like parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and certain preservatives that research has shown can act as endocrine disruptors. These chemicals can interfere with the body’s delicate hormone signalling pathways, potentially affecting everything from menstrual cycles to fertility outcomes. Since the skin is highly absorbent, these substances don’t just stay on the surface - they enter the bloodstream and accumulate over time.

For those trying to conceive or simply seeking hormonal harmony, switching to clean skincare is a simple yet profound choice. It reduces exposure to hidden toxins in an environment already filled with stressors like pollution, poor diet, and lifestyle pressures. Clean skincare removes one layer of chemical burden, supporting the body’s natural ability to regulate hormones and maintain reproductive health.

Moreover, clean skincare isn’t just about avoiding harmful ingredients—it’s about nourishing your skin and body with bioavailable, plant-based actives that work synergistically to support skin barrier function, reduce inflammation, and promote overall wellness.

In essence, choosing truly non-toxic skincare is a proactive step toward creating a safer internal environment for your body, one that honours its natural rhythms and supports your fertility journey holistically. It’s one way to reclaim control in a complex world and invest in your health from the outside in.

With everything you have learnt from over 20 years researching ingredients, for someone trying to conceive or looking to balance their hormones, what ingredients or skincare habits would you personally avoid  - and which would you swear by?

I would absolutely avoid products with parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and harsh preservatives. Instead, I recommend seeking out formulas with certified organic oils, plant extracts, and naturally derived actives - ingredients the body recognises and responds to positively. Consistency is key: gentle cleansing, regular hydration, and always patch-testing new products.

Your natural perfumes are iconic- I remember buying one back in 2018 and being blown away that something so beautiful could be 100% natural. What was your vision when you started formulating natural fragrances, and how did you create such luxurious scents without synthetics?

My vision was to prove that luxury and nature are not mutually exclusive - you don’t have to sacrifice elegance or complexity for purity. I studied traditional perfumery techniques but used only botanical extracts and essential oils. It was about capturing the soul of a scent using what nature offers us, layering notes in a way that feels both sophisticated and alive.

How do you approach the formulation process? What does the balance between ancient plant wisdom and modern innovation look like behind the scenes at Vanessa Megan?

We begin every formula with respect for traditional remedies - plants that have been used for centuries for healing and nourishment. Then we marry that wisdom with the latest research on extraction methods, ingredient stability, and bioavailability. It’s a dance between old and new: honouring nature’s intelligence while ensuring every product meets modern standards for efficacy.

Many people don’t realise how absorbent our skin is. Can you speak to the connection between what we put on our bodies and our internal systems - especially when it comes to endocrine disruptors or synthetic fragrance?

Our skin is porous - what we apply doesn’t just sit on the surface. Ingredients like synthetic fragrance can contain dozens of undisclosed chemicals, some of which are known hormone disruptors or allergens. Over time, this exposure adds up. By choosing truly nontoxic products, you’re supporting not just your skin but your overall health.

What’s been a major ‘pinch me’ moment for you since launching the brand? Something that made you pause and say, “Wow, we’ve really created something special here.”

One standout moment was seeing our products used in leading spas across Australasia - knowing therapists trusted us with their clients’ skin felt incredibly validating. Another was hearing from customers who’d struggled with chronic skin issues for years and finally found relief with our formulas - that’s what makes all the hard work worth it.

Nontoxic beauty is clearly a passion for you - but you also live and breathe holistic wellness. What are some rituals or daily habits that help you stay grounded, clear, and vibrant?

Daily movement is essential for me - whether it’s yoga or a walk in nature - and I always make time for mindful breathing before bed. I prioritise whole foods, plenty of water, herbal teas, and quality time outdoors with loved ones to stay connected and grounded.

Alongside these foundational habits, I’m passionate about biohacking techniques that optimise wellbeing on multiple levels. For example, I regularly use our Butterfly Effects LED Face and Neck Mask, which harnesses light therapy to support skin cell regeneration, reduce inflammation, and boost collagen production - complementing natural skincare by enhancing skin health from within.

Meditation and focused breathing exercises help clear mental clutter, reduce stress hormones, and improve sleep quality - key to maintaining vibrancy and clarity. Facial massage is another simple ritual I swear by; just a few minutes daily stimulates circulation, lymphatic drainage, and promotes relaxation, leaving the skin glowing and the mind calm.

I’m also excited about our new Hypno-Spa: DreamState collection - a series of guided hypnosis recordings I personally created to address common stress-related challenges like sleep, confidence, anxiety, and abundance. Used during spa treatments or at home, DreamState helps bridge the gap between body and mind, reinforcing the idea that true wellness goes far beyond skin deep - it’s about feeling balanced and nourished within.

Together, these biohacking practices create a holistic self-care system that nurtures body, skin, and mind - helping me stay balanced, clear, and vibrant every day.

What’s been a major ‘pinch me’ moment for you since launching the brand? Something that made you pause and say, “Wow, we’ve really created something special here.”

One standout moment was seeing our products used in leading spas across Australasia - knowing therapists trusted us with their clients’ skin felt incredibly validating. Another was hearing from customers who’d struggled with chronic skin issues for years and finally found relief with our formulas—that’s what makes all the hard work worth it.

Nontoxic beauty is clearly a passion for you - but you also live and breathe holistic wellness. What are some rituals or daily habits that help you stay grounded, clear, and vibrant?

Daily movement is essential for me - whether it’s yoga or a walk in nature - and I always make time for mindful breathing before bed. I prioritise whole foods, plenty of water, herbal teas, and quality time outdoors with loved ones to stay connected and grounded.

Alongside these foundational habits, I’m passionate about biohacking techniques that optimise wellbeing on multiple levels. For example, I regularly use our Butterfly Effects LED Face and Neck Mask, which harnesses light therapy to support skin cell regeneration, reduce inflammation, and boost collagen production - complementing natural skincare by enhancing skin health from within.

Meditation and focused breathing exercises help clear mental clutter, reduce stress hormones, and improve sleep quality - key to maintaining vibrancy and clarity. Facial massage is another simple ritual I swear by; just a few minutes daily stimulates circulation, lymphatic drainage, and promotes relaxation, leaving the skin glowing and the mind calm.

I’m also excited about our new Hypno-Spa: DreamState collection - a series of guided hypnosis recordings I personally created to address common stress-related challenges like sleep, confidence, anxiety, and abundance. Used during spa treatments or at home, DreamState helps bridge the gap between body and mind, reinforcing the idea that true wellness goes far beyond skin deep - it’s about feeling balanced and nourished within.

Together, these biohacking practices create a holistic self-care system that nurtures body, skin, and mind - helping me stay balanced, clear, and vibrant every day.

Do you have any non-negotiable wellness practices—those things you come back to again and again to support your body, mind, and skin?

I think the above answer covers this, but on top of those rituals, I would add quality sleep, daily facial massage (even just a few minutes), and switching off devices well before bedtime are non-negotiable for me. These habits keep me balanced physically and emotionally.

What’s your personal skincare routine like? Are there specific Vanessa Megan products you always reach for?

My morning skincare routine is simple and gentle - I usually don’t cleanse, just a splash of water or a refreshing spritz of our Rose Hydrosol to wake up my skin. After that, I apply our Super C & Bearberry Serum, which works alongside my SPF to combat free radicals and protect my skin throughout the day. I follow with a light moisturiser, usually either our A+B+C Facial Moisturiser or the Rose & Calendula Facial Moisturiser. I also love to keep my skin hydrated during the day with occasional spritzes of Rose Hydrosol.

In the evening, I cleanse thoroughly with our Petitgrain pH Balanced Cream Cleanser. Then I apply our Collagen Boosting Gel, which pairs beautifully with the Re-Gen Serum from our Metamorphosis range. The serum contains Bakuchiol—nature’s gentle alternative to retinol - while the hyaluronic acid in the gel enhances hydration and supports the serum’s effects.

I follow this with either our Marine Collagen Night Cream or, if my skin needs extra richness, the Metamorphosis Beyond Night Cream. Most nights, I finish with our N.E.O Oil to nourish and replenish the skin and lock in the moisture I’ve added.

This routine keeps my skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing without feeling heavy or overloaded.

We love hearing about what people don’t leave the house without. What’s always in your bag and on your skin before stepping out the door?

I never leave the house without a few essentials that keep me feeling fresh and radiant. Our Glowing Lip and Cheek Tint is always in my bag- it adds just the right natural flush of colour and hydrates beautifully. I also carry one of our facial mists, usually Rose Hydrosol or Awaken, to refresh and uplift my skin throughout the day. And, of course, I finish with a spritz of our Monarch Perfume- a signature scent that feels both elegant and grounding before I step out the door.

What does your morning routine look like? How do you set yourself up for the day inside and out?

My mornings can be pretty chaotic, especially juggling family life with running a business and raising kids. Despite the busy pace, I always prioritise carving out a moment of peace for myself. I start with a glass of warm lemon water to gently wake up my body, followed by a few minutes of meditation or breathwork to centre my mind and set a calm tone for the day.

If you could give a friend one piece of advice to eliminate one key thing from their beauty or wellness routine to support their health, what would it be?

Eliminate anything with synthetic fragrance - it’s such a common source of irritation and hidden toxins.

And if you could suggest they add one thing- whether a product, ritual, or mindset shift- what would it be?

Add a daily ritual that reconnects you to yourself - whether it’s facial massage, meditation, or simply taking a mindful moment each morning.

You’ve paved the way for so many in the clean beauty space. What advice would you give to someone who’s just starting to explore natural skincare and wants to make the switch? Where should they begin?

Start by reading labels - education is power! Swap out one product at a time for something truly clean so it feels manageable rather than overwhelming. Trust how your skin feels; it will tell you when you’re on the right track.

What does beauty mean to you today - and how has your definition evolved over the years?

Today beauty means authenticity - feeling comfortable in my own skin and honouring what makes me unique. It’s less about perfection and more about self-acceptance and vitality.